Doha: Trkiye rejects any initiatives targeting Syria's territorial integrity and emphasizes the need for international pressure on Israel to address the Gaza crisis, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Sunday, as he addressed a joint press conference with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani in Doha. Besides Sheikh Mohammed, Fidan also met Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.
According to Anadolu Agency, at the news conference, Fidan stated that Trkiye does not accept any initiatives undermining Syria's sovereignty, adding that any effort allowing the holding of weapons outside the central authority will not be accepted. He expressed Trkiye's desire for a Syria with a Constitution and an administration that provides equal opportunities to all groups in the country, noting that positive steps have been taken in this regard.
Fidan mentioned that discussions have been held with Qatar and other regional countries on issues related to Syria's development, economy, and the removal of sanctions. He highlighted the importance of implementing the agreement signed between the YPG and the Syrian administration in recent months and urged the terrorist organization PKK to lay down its weapons and stop obstructing the return to normalcy in the region. He emphasized the need for a prosperous, safe, respectful, and free system in modern times.
The humanitarian tragedy in Gaza was a primary topic of discussion. Fidan remarked on the ongoing 'humanitarian tragedy,' pointing out that humanitarian aid has not reached Gaza for nearly two months. He accused Israel of committing genocide against the Palestinians and emphasized the necessity of international pressure on Israel to achieve peace. He acknowledged Qatar's efforts and reiterated Trkiye's commitment to supporting a peaceful coexistence of the Palestinian and Israeli peoples based on a two-state solution.
Fidan also discussed Trkiye's constructive role in the region. He mentioned ongoing talks with Hamas through various institutions and stressed the importance of diplomatic efforts to prevent the ongoing genocide and humanitarian tragedy. He underscored the significance of US efforts and President Donald Trump's approach in pressuring Israel and called for Israel to recognize the Palestinian state.
Trkiye and Qatar have shared similar approaches to regional conflicts, especially regarding developments in Palestine and Syria. Both governments have called for an end to Israel's attacks on Gaza and continue to collaborate through bilateral channels and multilateral groups like the Gaza Contact Group. Fidan's visit to Qatar follows Sheikh Mohammed's earlier trip to Trkiye for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)-Gaza Contact Group meeting hosted by Fidan in Antalya.
Additionally, Fidan met Muhammad Ismail Darwish, head of the Hamas Shura Council, in Doha to discuss the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the latest developments in ceasefire negotiations. The Hamas delegation reiterated its efforts for a permanent ceasefire, and the meeting addressed the humanitarian disaster caused by Israel's blockade of aid to Gaza, highlighting the need for an urgent solution. Fidan affirmed Trkiye's ongoing efforts to establish peace in the enclave on international platforms and at the bilateral level.